Apps and online care
OxfordVR gameChange vs 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
They differ on 10 of 10 things we check. No winner here: the better one is the one that fits what you need and how you'd pay.
OxfordVR gameChange
gameChange is VR therapy where a virtual coach helps you practise going into places like shops and buses that you have been avoiding.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you are thinking about suicide or are in emotional crisis, you can call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, at any time.
Where they differ
- Kind of help
- OxfordVR gameChange: An app I use on my own
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Not stated
- Good for
- OxfordVR gameChange: Adults and young people (16+) with psychosis in England who rarely leave home because of anxiety; NHS mental health teams looking for VR-guided exposure therapy their patients can use with staff support
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Anyone having thoughts of suicide or in emotional crisis, right now; Someone worried about a friend or family member who may be in crisis
- Probably not for
- OxfordVR gameChange: People in the US or outside the NHS: it is not sold to the public and has no FDA clearance
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Life-threatening medical emergencies or immediate danger: call 911
- Cost
- OxfordVR gameChange: Through NHS services only; organisations contact the vendor
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Free
- How you pay
- OxfordVR gameChange: Through work or school
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Free
- Where
- OxfordVR gameChange: Not stated
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Web
- Research
- OxfordVR gameChange: Some research support
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Limited research
- Privacy
- OxfordVR gameChange: Not graded
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Grade B
- Sells your data
- OxfordVR gameChange: Not stated
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: No
- HIPAA
- OxfordVR gameChange: No
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Not stated
In crisis or thinking about suicide? In the US, call or text 988. This page is information from our reviews, not medical advice.